By: Allyson Waller & Scott R. Stroud

In September 2018 The New York Times made the decision to publish an anonymous op-ed from a senior official from President Donald Trump's administration. The official, who ideologically identifies as conservative, wrote about the struggle to uphold and further Republican legislation and ideals while "thwarting Mr. Trump's more misguided impulses until he is out of office." A blatant critique of Trump's leadership style, the piece serves as a warning to the American public as it also attempts to comfort them: "Americans should know that there are adults in the room. We fully recognize what is happening. And we are trying to do what's right even when Donald Trump won't" ("I Am Part of the Resistance," 2018).

Based on the excerpt above, define media ethics. Elaborate on THREE (3) ethical roles of The New York Times in representing the anonymous author. Suggest TWO (2) benefits and TWO (2) drawbacks for the author in choosing to remain anonymous so that the news reaches the target audience. (Do click the link to access to full case study, mentioned in the preamble).